Unfortunate incident at the First Communion Mass in Louisiana

A First Communion Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, was interrupted on May 11 after a teenager attempted to enter the church with a rifle.

Parishioners prevented the young man from entering the parish, where 60 children were preparing to receive their first communion.

Police took the suspect into custody and the church’s livestream captured moments of chaos as they searched the premises to determine if there were any other threats.

Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette commented on the incident, saying, “We are grateful to God that tragedy was avoided at the First Communion Mass for the Children of Saint Mary Magdalene in Abbeville.”

“The quick response of the Abbeville Police Department and thoughtful community members is a great example of caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Let us pray for an end to all threats of violence against innocent human life.”